Your Guide to Ruidoso’s Must-See Holiday Events

Ruidoso shines brightly during the holidays. The village comes alive with festive parades, Christmas shows, twinkling light displays, and seasonal celebrations for all ages. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for the year’s must-see festivities, here’s your guide to Ruidoso’s top holiday events.

Light shows, holiday parades, and winter sleigh rides. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

Light shows, holiday parades, and seasonal celebrations. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

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White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 13
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex
Dec 13
Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex

Enjoy a festive evening at the White Mountain Recreation Complex on Dec. 13 with an outdoor showing of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, followed by a spectacular holiday drone light show at 8:15 PM. Bring blankets and chairs for this free, family-friendly holiday celebration presented by Ruidoso Parks & Recreation.

A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso
Dec 13
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso

Experience a nostalgic holiday production with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU Ruidoso. Set in a 1943 radio studio, the show blends swing-era music, heartfelt carols, and backstage humor as the cast scrambles to keep their Christmas broadcast alive. Performances run on select dates Dec. 12–21. Tickets available online via Oso Productions.

A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso
Dec 14
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso

Experience a nostalgic holiday production with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU Ruidoso. Set in a 1943 radio studio, the show blends swing-era music, heartfelt carols, and backstage humor as the cast scrambles to keep their Christmas broadcast alive. Performances run on select dates Dec. 12–21. Tickets available online via Oso Productions.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 17
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 18
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

Holiday Market at Enchanted Vine
Dec 19
Holiday Market at Enchanted Vine

Celebrate the season at Enchanted Vine’s Holiday Market, Dec. 19–21 from 11 AM–5 PM. Enjoy local vendors, mulled wine, hot chocolate, live music, festive bites, and plenty of cozy holiday charm. A perfect place to sip, shop, and find heartfelt gifts.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 19
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso
Dec 19
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso

Experience a nostalgic holiday production with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU Ruidoso. Set in a 1943 radio studio, the show blends swing-era music, heartfelt carols, and backstage humor as the cast scrambles to keep their Christmas broadcast alive. Performances run on select dates Dec. 12–21. Tickets available online via Oso Productions.

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 20
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

A Very Dirtbag Christmas
Dec 20
A Very Dirtbag Christmas

Join the Doso Dirtbags for A Very Dirtbag Christmas at Downshift Brewing Co.’s Hidden Tap. This one-night-only holiday show delivers high-energy mountain-punk fun and Ruidoso spirit in full force. Come raise a glass, celebrate the season, and enjoy a festive night you won’t want to miss.

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso
Dec 21
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU–Ruidoso

Experience a nostalgic holiday production with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU Ruidoso. Set in a 1943 radio studio, the show blends swing-era music, heartfelt carols, and backstage humor as the cast scrambles to keep their Christmas broadcast alive. Performances run on select dates Dec. 12–21. Tickets available online via Oso Productions.

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 21
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 22
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 23
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

Christmas Eve Luminarias at Historic Lincoln
Dec 24
Christmas Eve Luminarias at Historic Lincoln

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Lincoln Historic Site, where luminarias brighten the historic village with warm, flickering light. A peaceful, tradition-rich holiday experience in one of New Mexico’s most beautiful historic settings.

A Very Dirt Bag Christmas at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Dec 24
A Very Dirt Bag Christmas at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Celebrate Christmas Eve with A Very Dirtbag Christmas at Downshift Brewing Co.—Riverside on Dec 24, 6–9 PM. The Doso Dirtbags deliver a high-energy holiday show packed with great music and festive spirit.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 25
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 26
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 27
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 29
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 30
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

Gremlins – Movie Night @ Monster House Dispensary & Lounge
Dec 30
Gremlins – Movie Night @ Monster House Dispensary & Lounge

Ring in the season with Gremlins at Monster House Dispensary & Lounge on December 30. When a mogwai’s rules are broken, chaos erupts in hilarious, creature-filled fashion. Movie starts at 7 pm. Ages 21+ (18+ with medical card). IDs required.

White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch
Dec 31
White Mountain Christmas at the Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.

New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ruidoso with festive dinners, live music, dance parties, and family-friendly events across the village. From gourmet menus to late-night celebrations, there are plenty of ways to welcome 2026 in the mountains. Events are updated annually—call ahead to confirm details and make your NYE getaway unforgettable.

Charlie Paycheck live at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap
Dec 31
Charlie Paycheck live at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Charlie Paycheck live at Downshift Brewing Company’s Hidden Tap on Dec. 31, 6–9 PM. A Louisiana singer/songwriter with a soulful mix of blues, country, folk, and soul, Charlie offers a warm, heartfelt set to close out the year.

Things to do in Ruidoso, Winter, Entertainment experiences, Attractions & ActivitiesEditorsholiday activities, Holiday events, winter